Zero-drop shoes and the camino

JustJack · Dec 8, 2024

I learned a new term today. Zero-drop shoes. Hadn’t come across the term before. Was researching a brand of trail runners (Altra Timp 5) and read that they are zero-drop shoes. Which means, I discovered, that there is no difference in height between the heal and the toe. Usually the heal is a bit higher than the toe. I also read that it can take a month or two for your feet and legs to get used to zero-drop shoes, as you’re using different tendons etc.
Question: has anyone worn zero-drop trail runners, and did you really feel a difference? On paper it seems like it would be better for long distance walking. I’m planning my shoes for my spring camino.

Bob Howard · Dec 8, 2024

I wore Altras in 2016 including the Timp in 2018. I keep reading about people having difficult adjusting to zero drop. I didn't notice any zero drop effect myself, and I can't help but wonder does a 5-8mm from really make any difference?

OzAnnie · Dec 8, 2024

JustJack said:
Question: has anyone worn zero-drop trail runners, and did you really feel a difference?

Jack
There has been a lot of discussion on this forum about ‘zero drop’ footwear ..
just put zero drop in search and you’ll find many threads.
I’ve tried Altra lone peaks but they didn’t suit me. I did find the Altra Timps were super comfy but they started to fall apart in the uppers in no time. I had to super glue them. If they are what feels right for you though , then go with them.

Vacajoe · Dec 8, 2024

Bought my first zero drop shows for my first camino in 2018 and haven’t worn anything else since! Altra Timps, mostly, but they’ve had quality issues lately. Didn’t notice anything with the zero drop, but others do. Best thing is to try them out BEFORE leaving for Spain (and not one day of walking, but a lot to see if it works for you)

kiwi-couple · Dec 8, 2024

I walked 700 kms of camino routes last year in Altra Lone Peak 7s, plus several hundred more at home since in Lone Peak 8s, and love them. I didn't have any trouble with zero drop but I am very used to being barefooted in the house at home but maybe my feet and legs were already well accustomed to zero drop.

Anhalter · Dec 8, 2024

Zero-Drop don't work for me, i use some with a little drop (4mm). But everyone is different.

But make sure you give them a proper testing before going to Camino with them. There is a possibility that your body might not react well to the Zero-Drop and that can lead to problems with the Achilles tendon.

edit: this article goes into more detail: https://www.treatmyachilles.com/post/zero-drop-shoes-and-achilles-tendonitis-your-questions-answered

Briand61 · Dec 8, 2024

JustJack said:
I learned a new term today. Zero-drop shoes. Hadn’t come across the term before. Was researching a brand of trail runners (Altra Timp 5) and read that they are zero-drop shoes. Which means, I discovered, that there is no difference in height between the heal and the toe. Usually the heal is a bit higher than the toe. I also read that it can take a month or two for your feet and legs to get used to zero-drop shoes, as you’re using different tendons etc.
Question: has anyone worn zero-drop trail runners, and did you really feel a difference? On paper it seems like it would be better for long distance walking. I’m planning my shoes for my spring camino.

Hi,
I did the Portuguese earlier this year in Altra Timp 4. They were perfect. I paired them with Injinji toe socks and went a full size bigger with the shoes.
Did around 350km without a single hot spot.
I liked the roomy toe box. The zero drop was fine.
Like all trail shoes though, extended distances on hard surfacestends to wear the sole a bit.

jillianbausch · Dec 8, 2024

JustJack said:
I learned a new term today. Zero-drop shoes. Hadn’t come across the term before. Was researching a brand of trail runners (Altra Timp 5) and read that they are zero-drop shoes. Which means, I discovered, that there is no difference in height between the heal and the toe. Usually the heal is a bit higher than the toe. I also read that it can take a month or two for your feet and legs to get used to zero-drop shoes, as you’re using different tendons etc.
Question: has anyone worn zero-drop trail runners, and did you really feel a difference? On paper it seems like it would be better for long distance walking. I’m planning my shoes for my spring camino.

No I never felt a difference when I switched to zero drop shoes. But I had a pair of Altras and they didn't last very long, the soles wore out fast. I don't remember the specific pair I had. So I tried Topos, also zero drop athletic shoes. I walked the Camino, Pamplona to Sarria in one pair that were half a size too small but no wear to the sole. The following year I got a new pair, of Topos, correct size, walked from O'Cebriero to Muxia via Finistere. I am still wearing these shoes to do daily 3 mile walks. I change the insoles often for cushion. I am sold on Topos & the Vibram sole.

mikebet · Dec 8, 2024

I tried a pair of Hoka zero-drop shoes, but could not get comfortable with them. I think I have short Achilles tendons because I kind of bounce when I walk. Fortunately I got the shoes at REI so I was able to return them for a refund. You may want to consider that because it is a pricey experiment.

msconduct10 · Dec 8, 2024

I used to be a runner/trail runner and have always kinda bounced back and forth between Altras and other brands with mid to high (sometimes 12-13mm) drops. I’m very prone to tight calves and plantar fasciitis, so when I’m doing a lot of miles in my Altras (which are far and away my favorite trail shoes due to the wide toe box, both Lone Peak and Olympus) I have to stay on top of rolling out my feet and calves and stretching my hamstrings. I carry a cork ball (lacrosse ball-sized) to roll my feet on and will have that with me on the Camino. At home I use a Stick to roll-out my calves and a massage gun. I won’t have those on the Camino so I’ll have to just stretch and manually massage, but I feel like I’m kinda always fighting off the PF when I’m in zero drop shoes, so it’s something to be mindful of but shouldn’t scare you off of some really great shoes (though I can’t speak for Timps as the durability issues led me to avoid them).

Vacajoe · Dec 8, 2024

kiwi-couple said:
I walked 700 kms of camino routes last year in Altra Lone Peak 7s, plus several hundred more at home since in Lone Peak 8s, and love them. I didn't have any trouble with zero drop but I am very used to being barefooted in the house at home but maybe my feet and legs were already well accustomed to zero drop.

I am also frequently barefoot around the house which certainly makes the change to a zero drop shoe very natural and comfortable.

Valarie Griep · Dec 8, 2024

Briand61 said:
Hi,
I did the Portuguese earlier this year in Altra Timp 4. They were perfect. I paired them with Injinji toe socks and went a full size bigger with the shoes.
Did around 350km without a single hot spot.
I liked the roomy toe box. The zero drop was fine.
Like all trail shoes though, extended distances on hard surfacestends to wear the sole a bit.

Altras have been great for me. Super comfortable (I do use a footbed insert for a little extra cush) and the zero drop was never an issue. The best thing for my feet was that they had such a nice roomy toe box to accommodate the natural swelling of walking long distances day after day. My only issue was that the tread on the sole does tend to wear faster than I would like. But when that happens I simply wear them around town at home because they still look great and I don't need that tread quite so much on city streets.

lt56ny · Dec 8, 2024

Who knew buying sneakers could be so complicated!!!!!! What is zero drop?????????

dbeatriceb · Dec 8, 2024

JustJack said:
I learned a new term today. Zero-drop shoes. Hadn’t come across the term before. Was researching a brand of trail runners (Altra Timp 5) and read that they are zero-drop shoes. Which means, I discovered, that there is no difference in height between the heal and the toe. Usually the heal is a bit higher than the toe. I also read that it can take a month or two for your feet and legs to get used to zero-drop shoes, as you’re using different tendons etc.
Question: has anyone worn zero-drop trail runners, and did you really feel a difference? On paper it seems like it would be better for long distance walking. I’m planning my shoes for my spring camino.

I have worn Altras and other zero drop trail runners on several caminos. Average drop for many shoes is around 12cm so switching to zero drop can involve some adjustment time. When I wore Altras on the Camino I had already worn zero drop shoes for a while at home. I advise a generous adjustment period if you’ve never worn them. This will help avoid problems with overstretching of the Achilles tendon when you walk long distances.

Colokid · Dec 8, 2024

For some, the amount of heal drop can be quite important in shoe selection. Due to my1950's vintage feet (and prior history of fractured ankle) I pay a lot of attention. For me, lower drop means feet go through a greater range of motion with each step, and puts a different type of strain on feet and ankles and lower leg.

ian&linda · Dec 8, 2024

My wife and I walked the CF in Altra Olympus 5s and Altra Mont Blancs. No blisters or injuries. However, both shoes have plenty of stack (cushioning) and you need to ensure you wear the right socks (2 pairs of Bridgedale liners).
If you haven’t worn zero drop before you do need to give yourself time to get used to them, but I wouldn’t wear anything else now.

PelegrinNikolai · Dec 8, 2024

I wear flat flip-flops (thongs, in Australian) all the time, so Altras are the perfect match for me. I feel more at risk of rolling my ankles in anything with a heel.

Caomhin O Fearghaill · Dec 8, 2024

JustJack said:
I learned a new term today. Zero-drop shoes. Hadn’t come across the term before. Was researching a brand of trail runners (Altra Timp 5) and read that they are zero-drop shoes. Which means, I discovered, that there is no difference in height between the heal and the toe. Usually the heal is a bit higher than the toe. I also read that it can take a month or two for your feet and legs to get used to zero-drop shoes, as you’re using different tendons etc.
Question: has anyone worn zero-drop trail runners, and did you really feel a difference? On paper it seems like it would be better for long distance walking. I’m planning my shoes for my spring camino.

I never heard of zero drop shoes before, sounds cooler that flat soles. Anyway, for a chamge, I wore flat soled walking shoes on a local walk recently and found them to be very comfortable. I need replacement boots for my Camino next year and I will use flat soled boots. Like any new boot or shoes always make sure they are well "broken in" before walking on the Camino

peregrina2000 · Dec 8, 2024

lt56ny said:
Who knew buying sneakers could be so complicated!!!!!! What is zero drop?????????

A zero drop means that there is no height difference between the heel and the toe (as @JustJack said earlier). Most shoes have an elevated heel

I think that most of us have worn shoes with drops for years, so the switch to a zero drop may cause a lot of issues. I started wearing Altras for the wide toe box. I have a custom-made silicone insert that goes inside and may alter the drop a little, but it’s very close to flat except for the arch and metatarsal parts.

I put myself in the lucky category of those who never had an issue changing to a zero drop, but it may be because I had given up heels years before.

CatPhillips · Dec 8, 2024

jillianbausch said:
No I never felt a difference when I switched to zero drop shoes. But I had a pair of Altras and they didn't last very long, the soles wore out fast. I don't remember the specific pair I had. So I tried Topos, also zero drop athletic shoes. I walked the Camino, Pamplona to Sarria in one pair that were half a size too small but no wear to the sole. The following year I got a new pair, of Topos, correct size, walked from O'Cebriero to Muxia via Finistere. I am still wearing these shoes to do daily 3 mile walks. I change the insoles often for cushion. I am sold on Topos & the Vibram sole.

I wear Topo's Ultraventures, with a 5mm drop. These work much better for me than the Altras zero drop, which caused cramps in my calfs, and leg fatigue. So, 5mm does seem to make a difference.

I'm a huge fan of Topo Athletics now. On my fifth(?) pair now. They don't last forever, the tread does wear down after a camino or two. But worth it.

tjz · Dec 8, 2024

I was a huge Altra fan for about a year and used them both for hiking and running. The wide toe box was the big selling point for me, as well as the comfort. I loved the Timps! Eventually, though, I developed achilles tendon issues requiring some physical therapy to help heal. I switched to Topo with a modest drop and still get the wide toe box and the comfort, but my achilles are much happier now. Everyone is different, and wearing shoes with a drop for ~60 years of my life might have been a factor, but tendon issues run in my family so that might have been a bigger one, who knows?

Either way, if you're switching, I'd give them a real shakedown with long hikes and several hundred miles before you commit to the Camino with them. That probably goes for any shoes that are new to you, though, and not just ones where you are changing the drop.

Buen Camino!

Helen2006 · Dec 8, 2024

JustJack said:
I learned a new term today. Zero-drop shoes. Hadn’t come across the term before. Was researching a brand of trail runners (Altra Timp 5) and read that they are zero-drop shoes. Which means, I discovered, that there is no difference in height between the heal and the toe. Usually the heal is a bit higher than the toe. I also read that it can take a month or two for your feet and legs to get used to zero-drop shoes, as you’re using different tendons etc.
Question: has anyone worn zero-drop trail runners, and did you really feel a difference? On paper it seems like it would be better for long distance walking. I’m planning my shoes for my spring camino.

They were recommended to me and I tried them at home for some days. However, I had heel pain and it was getting worse. I know that they are durable and they suit many people, but I sent mine back. I then went to another specialist fitter and bought a the recommended pair of Saucony trail runners…

K_Lynn · Dec 8, 2024

My first Camino I wore Oboz which have a 15mm drop and my second I wore Altra Lone Peak with a zero drop. The only difference I felt was weight as the Oboz are an incredibly heavy shoe.

Some people prefer a flatter sole, some prefer more heel. Some like very firm soles, some like to walk on big fluffy pillows. It doesn't matter. Wear the shoe that fits you the best and will carry you over all terrains.

JustJack · Dec 8, 2024

jillianbausch said:
No I never felt a difference when I switched to zero drop shoes. But I had a pair of Altras and they didn't last very long, the soles wore out fast. I don't remember the specific pair I had. So I tried Topos, also zero drop athletic shoes. I walked the Camino, Pamplona to Sarria in one pair that were half a size too small but no wear to the sole. The following year I got a new pair, of Topos, correct size, walked from O'Cebriero to Muxia via Finistere. I am still wearing these shoes to do daily 3 mile walks. I change the insoles often for cushion. I am sold on Topos & the Vibram sole.

The Altra Timp 5 have Vibram soles. Don’t know if that’s new with the 5s.

Cowboy99 · Dec 8, 2024

JustJack said:
I learned a new term today. Zero-drop shoes. Hadn’t come across the term before. Was researching a brand of trail runners (Altra Timp 5) and read that they are zero-drop shoes. Which means, I discovered, that there is no difference in height between the heal and the toe. Usually the heal is a bit higher than the toe. I also read that it can take a month or two for your feet and legs to get used to zero-drop shoes, as you’re using different tendons etc.
Question: has anyone worn zero-drop trail runners, and did you really feel a difference? On paper it seems like it would be better for long distance walking. I’m planning my shoes for my spring camino.

Walking the Frances last spring, I used Altra Olympic 5 before, during, and continuing now. These are the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned for my wide old feet. Not a blister or issue walking
800 km! Would definitely buy another pair as long as the quality is maintained.
As for zero drop, no issue.

I am currently breaking in a pair of Altra Olympic 6 mid shoes. Time will tell. The goretex lining seems to make them feel larger but I compensate using a thicker sock.
I take really good care of my shoes by keeping them clean and using Grangers waterproofing.
Hope this helps

SF Walker · Dec 8, 2024

JustJack said:
I learned a new term today. Zero-drop shoes. Hadn’t come across the term before. Was researching a brand of trail runners (Altra Timp 5) and read that they are zero-drop shoes. Which means, I discovered, that there is no difference in height between the heal and the toe. Usually the heal is a bit higher than the toe. I also read that it can take a month or two for your feet and legs to get used to zero-drop shoes, as you’re using different tendons etc.
Question: has anyone worn zero-drop trail runners, and did you really feel a difference? On paper it seems like it would be better for long distance walking. I’m planning my shoes for my spring camino.

I use and love my Altras. I walked the Camino with them--Lone Peak 5. Good tread, good road feel. Inserts for any long hike will deteriorate over time so I bring extras for the padding. I also have orthotics. It's always recommended to work in your shoes/boots before you go. So if you order them and use them for a few weeks, you'll know how well they'll work for you. The period of adjustment with zero-drop was pretty quick for me. I have such a hard time finding shows that fit my feet, these worked so well. Narrow heal and wide toe bed made a bigger difference for me than the zero drop. I will say that my feet tired out when walking on pavement with the Lone Peaks. So, I brought a different Altra shoe for city and pavement walking whether for evenings and rest days and travel days or when there was a lot of pavement planned for the day. For the hard surfaces, the Altra Olympus works well for me.

Bob Howard · Dec 8, 2024

Both the Olympus and the Timp have more cushioning (stack height) than the Lone Peak, which actually has rather modest cushioning. I tend to move between Hokas and Altras, but lately have settled on Hokas for their superior cushioning.

Joynz · Dec 9, 2024

JustJack said:
I learned a new term today. Zero-drop shoes. Hadn’t come across the term before. Was researching a brand of trail runners (Altra Timp 5) and read that they are zero-drop shoes. Which means, I discovered, that there is no difference in height between the heal and the toe. Usually the heal is a bit higher than the toe. I also read that it can take a month or two for your feet and legs to get used to zero-drop shoes, as you’re using different tendons etc.
Question: has anyone worn zero-drop trail runners, and did you really feel a difference? On paper it seems like it would be better for long distance walking. I’m planning my shoes for my spring camino.

I wore Altra Olympus 5 trail runners for the whole French Camino. With really good arch support inner soles with extra get cushioning (really, over the counter orthotics) and double sock system (injinji synthetic toe socks under wool mix hiking sock). I did not have even the slightest issue with the lack of a drop! They were so comfy that I didn’t even change into my crocs at the end of the day. I bought them bigger to allow for the inner soles and to still have a good thumbs width of room in front of my longest toes.
I wear an older version of the Olympus as my daily casual shoes for walking. Again with good inner soles.

Joynz · Dec 9, 2024

Valarie Griep said:
Altras have been great for me. Super comfortable (I do use a footbed insert for a little extra cush) and the zero drop was never an issue. The best thing for my feet was that they had such a nice roomy toe box to accommodate the natural swelling of walking long distances day after day. My only issue was that the tread on the sole does tend to wear faster than I would like. But when that happens I simply wear them around town at home because they still look great and I don't need that tread quite so much on city streets.

You can also build the tread up with Shoo Goo (the black one is best)

JustJack · Dec 9, 2024

This has been a very helpful thread. Thanks for all the feedback. Cushioning is my #1 priority for my next pair of shoes, and the Altra Timp 5 seemed to have cushioning in all the right places for my feet, so that's what I think I'll go for. The gortex version, as I like my shoes to be waterproof.
Now to sit and wait for a sale...

GregDenmark · Dec 11, 2024

I just walked the 800km Camino Frances in Timp 4. They were extremely comfortable and I didn't get a single blister on the entire walk. However they started falling apart after only 200km where I had my first visit to the cobbler. I had them fixed also at 400 and 500km, and just crossed my fingers for the last 300km. Personally I wouldn't get Gore-Tex. You're going to get wet feet no matter what, and the non Gore-Tex version dries very quickly if it stops raining (with Merino wool socks)

OzAnnie · Dec 11, 2024

GregDenmark said:
However they started falling apart after only 200km

My Timps were similarly defective. Around 8-10 days after starting, the uppers started to come away from the rubber soles .. difficult to fix .. I used tape and a type of super glue from China store.
Unfortunate ., because they were so comfortable - still better to try to repair on the go ‘comfy walkers’ than to buy shoes that could be a bigger problem.
I’d bought the in REI while visiting my son in USA. I’m Australian and couldn’t get back in time for warranty to apply. I believe if you aren’t a member., it was something like 3 months and for members it is 12 months to return ? I have since become a member.

GregDenmark said:
Personally I wouldn't get Gore-Tex. You're going to get wet feet no matter what, and the non Gore-Tex version dries very quickly if it stops raining (with Merino wool socks)

I feel the same about Gore-Tex., the non gore-tex dries so much faster and your feet don’t sweat as much when it’s hot. However ., I can understand those who think differently to me. However, I have tried both - so feel I can compare.

OzAnnie · Dec 11, 2024

Ps although many people encourage others on here to go to REI., to get expert help in footwear, I’ve found that the times I’ve been there… I knew so much more of what was required for walking a camino in Spain (Portugal & France )… than the helpers there.
Usually I went to the REI store to try the fit for me on some recommended footwear but most times the REI store here didn’t have stock. I’m not one who buys online and returns .
Over the years .. this forum will truly educate you regarding footwear & equipment that works. You might have to use the search icon occasionally… but it’s all covered. Search older threads by @davebugg He has graciously given a lot of information to guide us to a good fit etc.

I truly hope you get what fits you well and buen camino.

backpack45 · 2024-12-21T19:37:24+0100

JustJack said:
I learned a new term today. Zero-drop shoes. Hadn’t come across the term before. Was researching a brand of trail runners (Altra Timp 5) and read that they are zero-drop shoes. Which means, I discovered, that there is no difference in height between the heal and the toe. Usually the heal is a bit higher than the toe. I also read that it can take a month or two for your feet and legs to get used to zero-drop shoes, as you’re using different tendons etc.
Question: has anyone worn zero-drop trail runners, and did you really feel a difference? On paper it seems like it would be better for long distance walking. I’m planning my shoes for my spring camino.

My husband and I have worn Altras for years on the Camino routes and the Pacific Crest Trail. They have been extremely popular with long-distance hikers for a long time, though I think Hokas have now become more popular. I didn't feel the need to break them in, but it's probably a good idea. Many people wear them because they like the wider toe box. I wear them most of the time at home and hiking here year round.

kfw · Dec 15, 2024

From the Camino Francis 2023. The verdict is still out!

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